Hobart Hurricanes sign Maddy Green after Linsey Smith injury

Hobart Hurricanes have signed New Zealand batter Maddy Green as a replacement for injured England spinner Linsey Smith ahead of their WBBL title defence. Smith suffered a quad injury at training this week and will undergo scans to determine the extent of the problem. The club hopes she will be available later in the tournament.

Green, who has previously played for Brisbane Heat and Perth Scorchers, scored an unbeaten 56 from 37 balls in the recent T20I series against Australia. Local pace bowler Callie Wilson has also been ruled out through injury and replaced by 17-year-old Victorian quick Ira Aery, who took two wickets in four matches during the T20 Spring Challenge.

England captain Natalie Sciver-Brunt and Danni Wyatt-Hodge will both miss the season. Sri Lanka's Chamari Athapaththu replaces Wyatt-Hodge in the squad. Nicola Carey takes over as captain following Elyse Villani's retirement, while opener Lizelle Lee returns for the season opener against Melbourne Stars on Thursday.